FIVE NOTABLE DEVELOPMENTS IN NUCLEAR THIS WEEK

1. HORIZON CEO URGES INDUSTRY TO FIGHT FOR NUCLEAR

Speaking at the Nuclear New Build Conference in London, Duncan Hawthorne, Horizon CEO, commented on the suspension of the Wylfa project. He stated that the failure to carry the project forward undermined the idea that ‘money will flow to a good project.’ He cited a lack of public understanding of nuclear’s benefits as a potential cause of collapse. He then proceeded to say that unless the industry puts up a collective fight there is little chance that work will resume at the site.

2. THE UK’S LOW LEVEL WASTE REPOSITORY REACHES LANDMARK

On 7 June 2019, the UK’s Low Level Waste Repository (LLWR) celebrated as the 11,000th container was diverted from disposal at the site. The number is significant as it is twice the number of containers that it would have taken to fill Vault 9 on the Cumbrian site. By diverting and treating the waste they are saving taxpayer over £2 billion by removing the need for a second national repository.

3. NIA CHAIRMAN CALLS FOR RAPID MOORSIDE INVESTMENT

In his opening address to the Nuclear New Build conference on 11 June 2019, Dr Tim Stone, chairman of the Nuclear Industry Association (NIA), stressed the need to develop Moorside soon. He told the delegates that ‘the UK’s current nuclear fleet is progressively retiring in the period to 2030, but which time only Sizewell B will be left generating.’ He also stated that ‘there is no question, this must be replaced – by nuclear’ and that ‘if nuclear is to maintain its low carbon and secure contribution to our energy supplies – which it absolutely must – this needs to happen quickly.’

(In Cumbria, Moorside needs to happen quickly if nuclear is to contribute to UK’s energy needs, 11 June 2019, Link)

4. THE NUCLEAR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION COMMENTS ON NET ZERO TARGET

On Tuesday, the Prime Minister, Theresa May, set a legal target for the UK to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Responding to this announcement, Tom Greatrex, Chief Executive of the Nuclear Industry Association stated that ‘the commitment by Government to meet net zero by 2050 is undoubtedly positive news’ and that ‘for decades nuclear has consistently provided reliable, large scale, low carbon energy and will play an integral role in achieving net zero. That is why it is essential Government gives the necessary support to ensure our ageing nuclear fleet is replaced.’

5. WOOD WINS ANOTHER HINKLEY POINT C CONTRACT

In April 2019, Wood secured a contract to provide construction design management advisory services at Hinkley Point C (HPC). Three days ago, 11 June 2019, they won another multi-million dollar contract. This time, the contract is to provide HPC with engineering and technical services. This Hinkley Technical Support Alliance (HTSA) agreement begins with immediate effect and is scheduled to last five years with the potential for a further five year extension.

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